Re: modern potting mixes

Moira wrote:

>I think as well the lack of weight can sometimes be a distinct
>_disadvantage_ .Where the plant has a lot of top hamper it can very
>easily become unstable.

Certainly can - I grow a lot of plants in large containers as well as
in the ground and a light wind would cause total havoc if I used a
lightweight mix.  As it is, I rarely see anything toppling over.

Although not really practical in commercial usage, soil-based composts
have a distinct advantage in holding on to their nutrients for far
longer, providing better insulation in cold weather (especially
important with container plants) and being far easier to wet
thoroughly when dry.  Try watering a plant grown in a peat based
compost that has dried out!  Even with soil based composts I have to
water twice daily from april through to the end of September -
soil-less types would be impossible here without wetting agents and
water retaining gel.  The problem with the gel is that it causes
sodden conditions in winter, bringing on a whole host of new problems.
I stick to what I know best and my growing techniques are more or less
moulded around the use of soil based compost.

>Here the favourite medium at present is ground pine bark (an
>easily-obtainable waste product of our timber industry) It seems to have
>most of the undesirable traits of the others you mention. 

I've not really had any great success with the various ground pine
mixes available here, although friends of mine swear by them.  One
'alternative' compost based upon coir (coconut fibre) proved an
unmitigated disaster with me and a couple of years ago, I nearly lost
masses of plants due to its sudden and totally unexpected depletion of
nutrients.  Everything had to be washed clean of the old compost and
re-potted into a JI base.  Not a pleasant thing to have to do half way
into the growing season.

>I now use entirely a very simple mix of my own matured compost with a
>sand/ground pumice combination, together with kelp powder for trace
>elements. I then modify this on similar lines to yours - extra sand for
>some and some garden soil (best vegetable garden) plus sheep manure
>pellets for others. This seems to give maximum growth and good health
>and who could ask for more.

I suspect that your sheep pellets are a darned sight less offensive to
the nose than my pelleted poultry poo!  Its darned good stuff, works
almost instantly, but after a spreading, you need to take a shower and
leave the neighbourhood for the rest of the day  - what a stink and
those flies!!!!.  Then you sneak back quietly in the hope of not being
accosted by a highly irate, next door neighbour who was planning a
barbie for the family!  I'm sorely tempted to post an account of one
experience with the dreaded chicken **** from earlier this year.  If I
can find it, I will.

Dave Poole
TORQUAY  UK
http://www.ilsham.demon.co.uk/gardenviews.html
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